From Publishers Weekly
"[L]ike punk rock, feminism is also based on the idea that you, an average schmo, have the power to take matters into your own hands." In this unquestionably useful, undoubtedly feel-good guide to feminist activism, the authors of Manifesta reveal how women can effect change without being highly experienced (suburban teenagers and investment bankers can do it), morally irreproachable (one can protest Nike's labor practices and still wear its shoes) or dull and unfashionable (Legally Blonde's Elle Woods is an activist—albeit a fictional one). As the Elle Woods reference demonstrates, encouraging activism in the Sex and the City crowd can be straining, but the authors' warm, encouraging tone and examples of everyday people doing good—themselves included—are inspiring. "You don't have to take the world on your shoulders—you just need to take advantage of the opportunities your life provides for creating social justice," they insist. Lauren, a 33-year-old writer at Smart Money, decided to join a lawsuit against her insurance provider for refusing to subsidize birth control; Allison started a feminist group to fight stereotypes at her Santa Barbara high school; Nisha makes queer-friendly films about South Asian women. Profiled along with many others, these women each embody Baumgardner and Richard's eloquently argued claim that "activism should be of you, not outside of you." Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Review
"To that nice young woman in Liberty, Missouri, who asked me how she could become a world-changing activist: Read Grassroots!" --Barbara Ehrenreich

"Have you ever wanted to make a difference but didn't know how? Grassroots is the book you've been waiting for. Using examples drawn from progressive and feminist campaigns all over the country, Veteran activists Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards explain how to organize your friends, your community, and most important, yourself." --Katha Pollitt

"A booster shot of inspiration, Grassroots reaches out to activists of all generations. Jennifer and Amy have not only shared the secrets of their and others' success but just as importantly, they've recorded the mistakes they've all made. I related to so much of it--especially the mistakes--and by showing the fits and starts of real life activism, Grassroots will help readers to both sustain their enthusiasm for social justice work and be more effective as a result." -- Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes

"Grassroots contains useful information about how to create change in our communities, and is an inspiring reminder to every day citizens that with the right tools they can transform their communities. This terrific book is an important addition to the field of community organizing." --Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation

"For anyone who has ever asked, 'What could I possibly do to make a difference?,' Grassroots proves the short answer is, 'a lot!' My thanks to Baumgardner and Richards for helping keep hope and activism alive with this provocative handbook." --Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

Praise for Manifesta:

"Manifesta is a breath of fresh air. At last, Gen X takes on feminism and revamps a feminist manifesto for a new era. A jolt, a resource, a timeline, and a challenge, Manifesta is a readable, well-informed, and necessary to any young woman--or man--who craves gender equality."--Naomi Wolf

"[The authors] have sorted out the fruits of this wave of feminism--intended and unintended, media mess and truth--for a new generation. With wit and honesty, Manifesta shows us the building blocks of the future of this longest revolution."--Gloria Steinem

"Great news from the front--feminism lives! Bold, independent, generous, and cautionary, Manifesta leaves no doubt that for a new generation of women the F-word is not only speakable but shoutable and singable. To learn the tune and catch the beat, read this book."--Alix Kates Shulman

"Manifesta is another step toward the empowerment of women. If caring about women matters, this book matters."--Andrea Dworkin

"A reasoned and passionate call to action and an exciting how-to guide for both burgeoning and seasoned Third Wave feminists."--Eleanor J. Bader, Library Journal



Book Description
From the authors of Manifesta, an activism handbook that illustrates how to truly make the personal political.

Grassroots is an activism handbook for social justice. Aimed at everyone from students to professionals, stay-at-home moms to artists, Grassroots answers the perennial question: What can I do? Whether you are concerned about the environment, human rights violations in Tibet, campus sexual assault policies, sweatshop labor, gay marriage, or the ongoing repercussions from 9-11, Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards believe that we all have something to offer in the fight against injustice. Based on the authors' own experiences, and the stories of both the large number of activists they work with as well as the countless everyday people they have encountered over the years, Grassroots encourages people to move beyond the "generic three" (check writing, calling congresspeople, and volunteering) and make a difference with clear guidelines and models for activism. The authors draw heavily on individual stories as examples, inspiring readers to recognize the tools right in front of them--be it the office copier or the family living room--in order to make change. Activism is accessible to all, and Grassroots shows how anyone, no matter how much or little time they have to offer, can create a world that more clearly reflects their values.



About the Author
Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards are the co-authors of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future (FSG, 2000) as well as co-founders of the progressive speakers' bureau Soapbox.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Grassroots shows how to move beyond passive activism such as monetary donations and writing congresspeople to make a far-reaching impact from a personal vantage point. Drawing heavily on individual stories as examples, Grassroots brims with clear guidelines and models for activism that illustrate how to set realistic goals and follow up by identifying and focusing on the resources most readily available to you - be it the office copier or the family living room.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

"[L]ike punk rock, feminism is also based on the idea that you, an average schmo, have the power to take matters into your own hands." In this unquestionably useful, undoubtedly feel-good guide to feminist activism, the authors of Manifesta reveal how women can effect change without being highly experienced (suburban teenagers and investment bankers can do it), morally irreproachable (one can protest Nike's labor practices and still wear its shoes) or dull and unfashionable (Legally Blonde's Elle Woods is an activist-albeit a fictional one). As the Elle Woods reference demonstrates, encouraging activism in the Sex and the City crowd can be straining, but the authors' warm, encouraging tone and examples of everyday people doing good-themselves included-are inspiring. "You don't have to take the world on your shoulders-you just need to take advantage of the opportunities your life provides for creating social justice," they insist. Lauren, a 33-year-old writer at Smart Money, decided to join a lawsuit against her insurance provider for refusing to subsidize birth control; Allison started a feminist group to fight stereotypes at her Santa Barbara high school; Nisha makes queer-friendly films about South Asian women. Profiled along with many others, these women each embody Baumgardner and Richard's eloquently argued claim that "activism should be of you, not outside of you." Agent, Jill Grinberg. (Jan.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

This book starts with the comforting presumption that one need not be a vegan, tree-hugging, 'round-the-clock meeting-goer to be an activist. Instead, Baumgardner and Richards (coauthors, Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future) offer anyone interested in improving the world small but significant ways to effect social change. Regardless of one's area of interest-whether it's assuring access to abortion, stopping rape, helping welfare recipients, or legalizing gay marriage-the authors detail ways to formulate campaigns and set tangible goals. Multiple examples flesh out abstract theories, and a comprehensive appendix provides novices with the contacts they'll need to test the waters. While Baumgardner and Richards do not adequately address risks that all organizers should consider before diving in-from being questioned by authorities to arrest or incarceration-their recognition that everyone can do something is refreshing. What's more, their definition of feminism is so inclusive it's bound to resonate: "Feminism is the movement toward full political, economic, and social equality for men and women." Would-be agitators, look no further for the sass, savvy, and skills you'll need to begin. Highly recommended.-Eleanor J. Bader, Brooklyn, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews